COVENTRY police have organised a tag rugby tournament for primary schoolchildren across the city in an effort to combat antisocial behaviour.

The idea is to involve children in positive activities before they are old enough to start hanging around.

It follows the success of a similar tournament in the city last year.

Coaches have been visiting schools to teach youngsters the non-contact version of the game ahead of the tournament on March 28 at the Dunlop Sports and Social Club in Burnaby Road, Radford.

Teams taking part will receive medals, and the winning team will get a bag of tag rugby equipment and the chance to represent Coventry at the Child Victims of Crime national rugby tournament in July.

Organiser PC Eddie Massey, from Stoney Stanton police station, said: "Some of the children who have previously taken part in tag rugby have joined rugby clubs and are now reaping the benefits of being part of a team and keeping fit.

"By joining a sports club, the children receive exercise and learn about team work.

"In addition, getting involved in sport discourages antisocial behaviour which reduces crime in the area and reassures the local community."

Parents and schools interested in getting their children involved should phone PC Massey at Stoney Stanton Road police station on 0845 113 5000.